What to do?
July-25th-2002, 06:42 PM
#1
Protege Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 4
What to do?
I found this website recently and have been reading silently in the background. I must first say this board is rather quality and I have been really impressed with the people that frequent it.
Anyways I'm a 20 year old college student. My first car was a Protege LX 92 model. My family bought that new, and by the time it died a not so bad death it had racked up over 256,000 miles. I then went and got a used 97 LX which I was really happy with. When I went up to Central Michigan my parents sold my car so they could purchase a PT Cruiser for themselves. And yes it was my car, which I made payments for. I've gone without a car for about a year now and I really would like to have one now that I'm going to be living not to far off campus. That and I need one so I can get back and forth to a decent job.
My problem is this. I drove out to Ann Abour Michigan, (about 45 minutes from home) to see Sesi Mazda and instantly fell in love with the Pro5. Now I have some guestions tho as what to do. First off, between the 5 and the ES/LX is there much difference handling/power/whatever? The reason I ask is payments. Right now with Mazda's 0 Clearance Event I could save myself some money. What would you people do. I believe I have through next month to make a decision if I purchase a car as the promotion goes till Sept 1st. I don't see the promotion being extended as the 2003 models will be out in a few shorts months and the prices will jump back up.
What to do? Any suggestions what you would do if you were in my position? Thanks much.
Anyways I'm a 20 year old college student. My first car was a Protege LX 92 model. My family bought that new, and by the time it died a not so bad death it had racked up over 256,000 miles. I then went and got a used 97 LX which I was really happy with. When I went up to Central Michigan my parents sold my car so they could purchase a PT Cruiser for themselves. And yes it was my car, which I made payments for. I've gone without a car for about a year now and I really would like to have one now that I'm going to be living not to far off campus. That and I need one so I can get back and forth to a decent job.
My problem is this. I drove out to Ann Abour Michigan, (about 45 minutes from home) to see Sesi Mazda and instantly fell in love with the Pro5. Now I have some guestions tho as what to do. First off, between the 5 and the ES/LX is there much difference handling/power/whatever? The reason I ask is payments. Right now with Mazda's 0 Clearance Event I could save myself some money. What would you people do. I believe I have through next month to make a decision if I purchase a car as the promotion goes till Sept 1st. I don't see the promotion being extended as the 2003 models will be out in a few shorts months and the prices will jump back up.
What to do? Any suggestions what you would do if you were in my position? Thanks much.
July-25th-2002, 07:00 PM
#2
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Troy, Michigan
Posts: 186
I'd go for the P5. The powertrain is the same. The body is slightly heavier (about 200 lbs., I think. The lights, front and rear are a lot cooler looking. The utility of that big hatch can't be beat by any small sedan. I've carted home big and heavy items that would never fit thru the tiny trunk opening of the sedan. 400 lbs. of unassembled desks in 3x5 foot x6 in. boxes, a completely assembled gas grill, countless bags of mulch etc. It is a great hauler in more ways than one! Neither car is awesomly fast, I test drove both. Both handle great, however! You can't really go wrong with either. They are great little cars (remember the original GLC?). Still likemy P5 tons after over a year.
Jeff M.
Jeff M.
July-25th-2002, 08:20 PM
#3
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 70
I was facing the same dilemma (although I'm a 24 year old just out of college person)..between the ES sedan and P5. I ended up going with the P5 over the ES just because I liked the front end better and the added utility/exclusivity.
You can get 0% for 4 years on the P5 and 0% for 5 years on the ES, so it does make a bit of a difference in payment but the P5 was still my choice.
You really can't go wrong either way!
You can get 0% for 4 years on the P5 and 0% for 5 years on the ES, so it does make a bit of a difference in payment but the P5 was still my choice.
You really can't go wrong either way!
July-25th-2002, 08:52 PM
#4
Recreational Gynocolist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 568
Prodigy, what are ya lookin for in a car? Are you gonna be haulin stuff between college and home? The sedan and p5 handle great-better known for this than screaming perfomance. Are you looking to Mod this baby up to go cruising through town or is it just an everday hauler. I've got a '99 LX sedan. I love it, it's my baby. but if they made a '99 protege5, I prolly would've gotten it. The protege5 looks unbeleiveable lowered though-and it looks like the aftermarket will favor the P5 more as long as historical trends continue. Both are great cars though.
Oh yeah, 256,000 miles??!?!?!!?! that's incredible!!! Were there many repairs, major or minor over the life of that lil engine that could??
Oh yeah, 256,000 miles??!?!?!!?! that's incredible!!! Were there many repairs, major or minor over the life of that lil engine that could??
July-25th-2002, 11:28 PM
#5
Protege Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 4
More info
What I'm looking for in a car is basically the Pro5 really. I need something that can haul quite a bit of stuff. I need something that feels sporty, but isn't nessacarily fast. I've been happy with my past Protege's and from what I've seen and read of the Pro5 it sounds perfect for my needs. Realibility is a major thing for me too. I want something I will be able to literally drive right into the ground. I plan on keeping the car for many years. This would be a big purchase that would be a big investment not just for now, but for the future.
As far as the 92 Protege and it's amazing lifespan, it was an awesome car. First off my parents did purchase the car brand new back in 92. My mom almost purchased a Miata instead, she even test drove one, but decided she needed something more family friendly. My mom drove it tons and racked up the miles. It had it's alternator changed on it, and the water pump. Those were the only major deals on it. Belts, tires, and brakes of course all changed accordingly but that was it. What finally killed that awesome car was me. I kind was in a few accidents with it. Eventually I banged it up so bad that you couldn't get out the drivers side, so I always had to crawl across. So when we got my 97 LX it actaully died on the way to pick it up. The water pump belt shredded. Then another belt did at the same time. So the engine got no water and the radiator blew. And I mean blew. The safety valve on the raditor didn't work and the raditor split down the middle. Anyways that was an awesome car.
Back to the question at hand, P5 or P LX/ES? I'm really leaning toward the P5. And just by chance would anyone know any P5s that are used for sale?
As far as the 92 Protege and it's amazing lifespan, it was an awesome car. First off my parents did purchase the car brand new back in 92. My mom almost purchased a Miata instead, she even test drove one, but decided she needed something more family friendly. My mom drove it tons and racked up the miles. It had it's alternator changed on it, and the water pump. Those were the only major deals on it. Belts, tires, and brakes of course all changed accordingly but that was it. What finally killed that awesome car was me. I kind was in a few accidents with it. Eventually I banged it up so bad that you couldn't get out the drivers side, so I always had to crawl across. So when we got my 97 LX it actaully died on the way to pick it up. The water pump belt shredded. Then another belt did at the same time. So the engine got no water and the radiator blew. And I mean blew. The safety valve on the raditor didn't work and the raditor split down the middle. Anyways that was an awesome car.
Back to the question at hand, P5 or P LX/ES? I'm really leaning toward the P5. And just by chance would anyone know any P5s that are used for sale?
July-25th-2002, 11:43 PM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Buffalo NY
Posts: 336
if you can afford the p5, then ge tthe p5. the look of the p5 will last a long time in my opinion and it pays off in th elong run especially sinnce you are determined to have the car for a very long time. I had the same dilema with choosing between the 5 and the sedan. but then i wanted to keep the payments less which was one of the reasons i chose the sedan. also because i the features were the same and i don't plan on carrying alot of things. i mainly drive just by myself and just go crusin for fun. i'm happy with my decision but if i had any reason to get a car with more carrying capacity i would go with the p5. most of the features of the es and the p5 are the same. if the only thing that keeps you from your decision is the price and you can afford the p5, i say ge tthe p5.
July-26th-2002, 01:40 PM
#8
Demands Perfection
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 344
Trim Considerations
The P5 indeed does appear a bit more sporty than the sedan trim lines, but one thing to consider if you're really looking for fiscal value is the premium cost of the P5. Given that the P5 is the newest Protege, and given that Mazda clearly favors it as their "Upscale" Pro (they allow you to get it with leather but screw you in the sedan by NOT even giving you a choice-- <pisses me off, those bastards!>) the Protege5 carries a premium price. That basically means you'll always pay more for an identically equipped Pro5 that you would for, say, the ES sedan; and sometimes that price differential can be significant.
On the other hand, if you think you can afford the extra money it would take to get a P5, for someone in their 20's I'd say that body style is more popular. It's a youthful looking car, in my opinion (which is cool), and for an active college student a hatchback has cool advantages in terms of hauling your stuff and friends around on road trips, etc.. And hey, you could pretty easily fit a keg in the hatchback! Gotta consider the important stuff, you know!
In regards to reliability, I say it all the time: Reliability has always been my most critical consideration when buying a car. I personally care less about other things than how well the vehicle will hold up over time, and get offended by auto makers who pump out crap that doesn't cut my reliability mandate. I won't buy a car without it having a proven, longstanding record of reliability. Period. The great thing about Protege, despite many things about it that I'm not totally happy with, is that this car is absolutely tops in reliability. In fact, it's in the category of being the best in reliability. It honestly is in quite elite company-- Longstanding data proves it with convincing consistency: Protege matches the likes of legendary Toyota reliability (to the letter); Honda; many Nissans... You just couldn't buy a car that's better-- That really gets my attention, and I consider the Protege a wise, intelligent choice; regardless of what trim line you decide to buy.
So your ultimate choice should come down to price. You have no worries in terms of reliability. Even the sedan models look awesome. Buy what you feel you can afford!
On a last note regarding affording a car, bear in mind that no one would really expect a young lad in college to necessarily have a brand new, awesome car. I'm not saying it wouldn't be cool (it certainly would!), but part of the normal life while one is in university is that you don't have any money! In some ways it makes sense to maybe buy a good used car and use that while you're in school, if you must have a car at all. You'd save a lot of cash by doing that, which makes good sense when you haven't much to go around. I'm not trying to talk you out of a sweet new Mazda-- Just something to think about. You shouldn't sweat it, as you have a lot of time in the future to get a great new car if you decide to wait for now and just go used. There's no shame in that, and you'd have more money for other things while you're in school!
Anyway, here's to a great time in university and to a successful car search regardless of your final choice!
Party on!
On the other hand, if you think you can afford the extra money it would take to get a P5, for someone in their 20's I'd say that body style is more popular. It's a youthful looking car, in my opinion (which is cool), and for an active college student a hatchback has cool advantages in terms of hauling your stuff and friends around on road trips, etc.. And hey, you could pretty easily fit a keg in the hatchback! Gotta consider the important stuff, you know!
In regards to reliability, I say it all the time: Reliability has always been my most critical consideration when buying a car. I personally care less about other things than how well the vehicle will hold up over time, and get offended by auto makers who pump out crap that doesn't cut my reliability mandate. I won't buy a car without it having a proven, longstanding record of reliability. Period. The great thing about Protege, despite many things about it that I'm not totally happy with, is that this car is absolutely tops in reliability. In fact, it's in the category of being the best in reliability. It honestly is in quite elite company-- Longstanding data proves it with convincing consistency: Protege matches the likes of legendary Toyota reliability (to the letter); Honda; many Nissans... You just couldn't buy a car that's better-- That really gets my attention, and I consider the Protege a wise, intelligent choice; regardless of what trim line you decide to buy.
So your ultimate choice should come down to price. You have no worries in terms of reliability. Even the sedan models look awesome. Buy what you feel you can afford!
On a last note regarding affording a car, bear in mind that no one would really expect a young lad in college to necessarily have a brand new, awesome car. I'm not saying it wouldn't be cool (it certainly would!), but part of the normal life while one is in university is that you don't have any money! In some ways it makes sense to maybe buy a good used car and use that while you're in school, if you must have a car at all. You'd save a lot of cash by doing that, which makes good sense when you haven't much to go around. I'm not trying to talk you out of a sweet new Mazda-- Just something to think about. You shouldn't sweat it, as you have a lot of time in the future to get a great new car if you decide to wait for now and just go used. There's no shame in that, and you'd have more money for other things while you're in school!
Anyway, here's to a great time in university and to a successful car search regardless of your final choice!
Party on!
Last edited by ProtegeMaster; July-26th-2002 at 01:45 PM.
July-26th-2002, 11:29 PM
#9
Certified Sick Individual
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Houston, TX.
Posts: 1,141
Originally posted by mts3
I ended up going with the P5 over the ES just because I liked the front end better and the added utility/exclusivity.
I ended up going with the P5 over the ES just because I liked the front end better and the added utility/exclusivity.
July-27th-2002, 02:32 AM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maryland
Posts: 38
You should check with your insurance company about the difference in price between the P5 and the sedan. I was debating between the two, and I ended up getting a sedan because insurance would be like 600 bucks less each year. Then again, my insurance company kinda sucks, so YMMV.
The sedan is also 100 lbs lighter, which is nice, and a bit cheaper.
The p5 has a standard strut tower brace (you can buy one for about $160) and leather-wrapped wheel/shifter.
I definately like the front end of the p5 better, but I like the sedan's overall shape a lot.
You'll be happy with both, just weigh your need for cargo vs money concerns. Neither of which will be a big deal anyways.
The sedan is also 100 lbs lighter, which is nice, and a bit cheaper.
The p5 has a standard strut tower brace (you can buy one for about $160) and leather-wrapped wheel/shifter.
I definately like the front end of the p5 better, but I like the sedan's overall shape a lot.
You'll be happy with both, just weigh your need for cargo vs money concerns. Neither of which will be a big deal anyways.
July-27th-2002, 08:33 AM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 22
Re: Trim Considerations
Originally posted by ProtegeMaster
And hey, you could pretty easily fit a keg in the hatchback! Gotta consider the important stuff, you know!
And hey, you could pretty easily fit a keg in the hatchback! Gotta consider the important stuff, you know!
July-27th-2002, 04:10 PM
#13
Recreational Gynocolist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 568
Re: Re: Trim Considerations
Originally posted by Blahbbs
I think Car and Driver magazine said the P5 could hold 18 cases of beer in the event that you prefer your brew from a can...
I think Car and Driver magazine said the P5 could hold 18 cases of beer in the event that you prefer your brew from a can...
